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Your turn signals, or “blinkers,” are lights on either side of your vehicle, and they’re important for communicating where you’re going to other drivers. Using your turn signals is required by law in most areas, and it’s so easy to get in the habit of using them properly. Keep reading to learn when and how to activate your turn signal so you can drive safely.
Things You Should Know
- Activate your turn signal whenever you’re rounding a corner or merging into traffic. Turn on the signal 100 feet (30 m) from a turn or 5 seconds before merging.
- Move the signal lever down for a left turn and push it up to indicate a right turn. Shift the lever to the middle position if it doesn’t automatically turn off afterward.
- Alternatively, put your left arm straight out horizontally for a left turn, or bend your elbow and hold your hand up for a right turn if your turn signals don't work.
Steps
Using Turn Signals at a Turn
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Find the turn signal lever on the left side of the steering column. The turn signal is a long lever behind your steering wheel on the left side. When you move the lever up or down, the signal lights on either the left or right side of your car will flash.[1]Note: The turn signal only activates the signal lights on your vehicle if it’s running.
Use your signal 100 feet (30 m) before making a turn. Wait to activate your turn signal until there are no other streets or alleys between you and where you’re turning. If you put on your car blinkers too soon, a person may think you’re turning sooner than expected, which could lead to being cut off in traffic or an accident.[2]- Turn on your signal before braking to let other drivers know why you are slowing.
EXPERT TIPIbrahim Onerli is a Driving Instructor and the Manager of Revolution Driving School in New York City. His mission is to make the world a better place by teaching safe driving. Ibrahim trains and manages a team of over eight driving instructors. He specializes in teaching defensive driving and stick shift driving.Driving Instructor
Ibrahim Onerli
Driving InstructorGive other drivers plenty of notice before your turn. By law, you need to start signaling about 100 feet in advance of your turn, but it's best if you start signaling about a half a block before you plan to switch a lane or make a turn.
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Push the lever down to turn on the left turn signal. Make sure you’re in the left-turn lane or the leftmost lane. Push the turn signal lever down gently with your left hand. When the lever locks into place, a flashing left arrow will blink on your dashboard. The signal makes a ticking sound that clicks in time with the flashing light to indicate that the signal is operating properly.[3]- Keep your right hand on the wheel while flicking the signal lever down with your left hand. Usually, you can flick the lever down with a finger so you don’t have to fully let go of the wheel.
- If your car blinkers aren’t working properly, use a hand turn signal to alert other drivers. Roll down your window and hold your left arm straight out horizontally.[4]
Move the lever up to turn on the right turn signal. Move into the right-turn lane or the rightmost available lane, and move the lever up with your left hand. Once you move the lever up into position, a flashing right arrow will appear on your dashboard paired with a clicking sound.[5]- If your lights aren’t working properly, roll down your window to do a hand turn signal. Put your left arm out the window, and bend your elbow to a 90-degree angle so your hand is straight up.[6]
- If you’re driving in a roundabout, put on your right turn signal just before the exit you want to get off on.[7]
Check that your turn signal shuts off after completing your turn. Normally, your turn signal will automatically turn off after you finish turning, but it may stay on if the turn was less than 90 degrees. Check your dashboard to see if the light is still flashing or if there’s still a ticking sound. If there is, push the signal lever back to the middle “off” position.- Leaving your turn signal on after finishing your turn can confuse other drivers who are expecting you to make a turn.
Use your signal even if you’re in a turning lane. While it might seem unnecessary to use your signal in a dedicated turn lane, it’s still important to put your blinkers on. Your turn signal still alerts oncoming traffic and drivers who are not familiar with the area which direction you’re going so you stay safe.[8]Many state laws require you to put on your signal whenever you’re turning, so it’s good to get in the habit of using it each time.
Community Q&A
- QuestionHow can I switch the turn signal off?
Community AnswerSimply push the signal lever into the neutral position. The neutral position is located between the left and right turn signal positions, and is the default signal lever position on a car. - QuestionWhen turning out of a parking lot, do I have to use my turn signal?Community AnswerYes. It is always good practice to use your blinker. It keeps you safe and it lets those around you know where you're going.
- QuestionWhen passing another vehicle, do I need to use my turn signals?
Community AnswerYes, you must use your turn signals when moving into and out of any lane. This is true whether passing on a highway or overtaking another car on a regular road.
Video
Tips
- Always check for other drivers when changing lanes, and watch out for pedestrians when you’re going around a corner.Thanks
- Some vehicles will blink the signal lights 3 times if you slightly move the lever up or down without locking it into place.Thanks
Warnings
- When signaling, make sure at least one hand is on the wheel at all times.Thanks
- Drive safely and always look where you are going. If there’s oncoming traffic, wait until it’s clear before making a turn.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/SI0202/SI0202O00065A.pdf
- ↑ https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-driver-handbook-pdf
- ↑ https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/SI0202/SI0202O00065A.pdf
- ↑ https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/online_manual/study-section_3.aspx
- ↑ https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/pubs/om/SI0202/SI0202O00065A.pdf
- ↑ https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/online_manual/study-section_3.aspx
- ↑ https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/dmv/shared/rab-brochure.pdf
- ↑ https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Driver-Manual/Chapter-3/Everyday-Driving/Pages/Turning-Merging-Passing.aspx
- ↑ https://youtu.be/mR9Rz3YbaqY?t=110
About This Article
To properly use your turn signal while you’re driving, first locate the lever on the left side of your steering column. You should find this before you start driving your vehicle. Push the lever down gently to signal that you are preparing to make a left-hand turn, and push up on the lever to signal a right-hand turn. You can also use these signals to indicate that you are planning to change or merge lanes. For tips on safely merging with traffic, keep reading!
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